Robert Cohen

Managing Partner at Benson Oak Ventures

Israel

Invests in

Work Experience

  • Chief Investment Officer

    2023

  • Managing Partner

    2018

    Benson Oak Ventures has the mission to support entrepreneurs build transformative, global businesses by providing financial capital and significant value-add. The multi-stage Fund follows a high-conviction strategy, with a focus on B2C, Digital SMB and passionware- all things related to the Passion Economy.

  • Managing Partner

    1995

    BENSON OAK is an investment firm active in venture capital and private equity, with current focus on Israel high-tech start-ups. Since 2003, BOC has invested into businesses based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia via a Technology-focused fund and a mid-market private equity fund investing between €5 and €30 million per transaction. In 2004, BOC acquired 100% of AVG and helped turn into a global Internet Security leader, going public on the NYSE in February 2012, returning over 100x to investors. Other Czech technology investments include Klik Pojisteni (klik.cz), a leading Czech online internet broker selling car, home, and travel insurance. Since 2011, BOC has expanded its investment activities to Israel, investing in early-stage technology companies, with direct investments in Israel including Slidely, Spitball and Lending Express. The Benson Oak Angel Fund has been investing since 2010 in start-ups in Israel, the US and Europe, leveraging a global network of partners and deal flow sources.

2018

  • Board Member & Executive Advisor

    2018

    Benson Oak Ventures portfolio company Harri is an entirely new kind of software platform for HR and operations: Workforce OS. Broad in scope, narrow in vertical focus and deep in rich, industry-specific functionality as a result. Harri consolidates up to 30 fragmented point solutions into single, elegant, first enterprise platform and massively streamlines the chore of daily operational challenges faced by employees, line managers and executives alike. Harri has headquarters in NY and a team of over 250 in Ramallah.

2012

  • Executive Chairman

    2012

    Promo.com is the largest video creation platform for businesses and agencies. With PROMO, businesses, agencies and marketers can create instant, stunning marketing videos using the most engaging, gripping professional video available.

2018

  • Board Member

    2018

    The first keyless crypto wallet. Download it now on IOS and Android!

  • Board Observer

    2018

    Become (formerly Lending Express) is the leading online platform for SMBs to find and optimize their funding solutions.

2015 - 2022

  • Executive Chairman

    2015 - 2022

    SaferPass is more than just a Password Manager; it aims to secure your online digital identity. It is now part of LookOut Security

2011 - 2012

  • Head of Corporate Development

    2011 - 2012

    Leading Internet Security provider for consumers and small businesses, including anti-virus, online backup, web security and PC tune-up. Responsible for global M&A and strategic corporate development activity, including execution and integration of five acquisitions and two strategic partnerships, in the US, Germany and Israel. AVG went public on the NYSE in February 2012.

2001 - 2010

  • Board Member

    2001 - 2010

    Robert was AVG Investor, Board member and Board observer on behalf of Benson Oak Capital from 2001 until 2010. AVG is an online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG has over 187 million active users using AVG´s products and services including Internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection.